Introduction
In times of prolonged food crises, whole grains and legumes can be a reliable source of sustenance. However, these foods need to be properly processed to ensure they are digestible and safe to eat. This guide will walk you through the process of creating an improvised 3-pipe grain mill, which can grind grains into flour and meal. This method is simple, cost-effective, and can be done with basic tools and materials.
Materials and Tools
To build your improvised grain mill, you will need the following materials and tools:
– Three steel pipes, each 30 inches long
– A hammer
– A saw
– A drill
– A can with a lid (such as a coffee can)
– A pair of gloves
– Window screen, nylon net, or cheesecloth
Construction Steps
- Cutting the Pipes: Use your saw to cut three steel pipes, each 30 inches long. Ensure the cuts are clean and straight.
- Drilling Holes: Drill holes in the pipes to allow them to be bound together securely. Space the holes evenly along the length of the pipes.
- Binding the Pipes: Thread the pipes together using wire or string through the holes you drilled. Make sure they are tightly bound to form a stable structure.
- Creating the Pounding Chamber: Take a can with a lid, such as a coffee can. This will serve as your pounding chamber. Ensure the can is clean and free of any residue.
Grinding the Grain
- Preparing the Grain: Before you start grinding, make sure your grains are completely dry. Wet grains can clump and make the grinding process more difficult.
- Filling the Can: Fill the can with dry grains. The amount of grain you can fit will depend on the size of your can. A good starting point is about a cup of grain.
- Pounding the Grain: Sit down and place the can between your feet. Put on your gloves for safety. Start pounding the can with your feet, applying steady pressure. Continue this process until the grains are finely ground. This may take several minutes, depending on the hardness of the grains.
- Sifting the Ground Grain: Once the grains are sufficiently ground, pour the contents of the can into a sieve. Use window screen, nylon net, or cheesecloth as your sieves. Start with a coarse sieve to separate the larger pieces from the finer flour. Then, use a finer sieve to separate the flour from the meal. Finally, use the finest sieve to remove any remaining hulls or debris.
Special Considerations for Barley
Barley has a tough hull that can be difficult to remove. To make the hulls tougher and easier to separate, dampen the barley with about 2% water before grinding. This means adding about 2 tablespoons of water to a cup of dry barley. After grinding, use a flotation method to separate the hulls from the flour. Place the ground barley in a container of water. The hulls will float to the top, while the flour will sink to the bottom. Skim off the hulls and strain the flour through a sieve to remove any remaining hulls.
Conclusion
Creating an improvised grain mill is a practical skill that can be invaluable during a food crisis. By following these steps, you can grind grains into flour and meal, ensuring that you have a reliable source of nutrition. Remember to always wear gloves when handling the can and to sift the ground grains carefully to ensure a smooth texture. With this method, you can process grains and legumes into digestible meals and flours, which can be crucial for maintaining health in crowded shelter conditions.